Star Wars Opinion Article

The Best Viewing Order for a Star Wars Marathon

The much publicized upcoming Cinemax Star Wars marathon got me thinking about the optimal viewing order for the Star Wars saga. The logical approach is to view the movies in episodic order (which is how Cinemax plans to air it). But I'm not so certain that this is the best way to watch Star Wars.

What follows is a rundown on the only four *viable* ways to view the Star Wars saga that I can think of. Sure there are other viewing orders, but these are the only ones that make sense from the standpoint of storytelling and continuity.

Here goes:

Method 1: By Order of Episode

This approach is clearly the viewing order intended by George Lucas. Quite simply, you watch the movies by episode number starting from Episode I: The Phantom Menace and Finishing with Episode VI: Return of the Jedi.

Why it works: This approach provides a strong high-level story arc centered on the rise, fall and redemption of Darth Vader. You essentially move chronologically through his life from childhood all the way to his death and final redemption by his children. You also get the added benefit of nicely spaced emotionally wrenching episodes (3 and 5) contrasted with the more emotionally upbeat episodes 4 and 6.

Where it fails: The biggest problem with this approach is not in plot continuity but with cinematic continuity. Since Lucas wrote and directed the original saga (episodes IV-VI) a good two decades before the Prequels (episodes I-III), there's a jarring shift in the quality of special effects, set design and dramatic pacing between the two trilogies. No where is this more pronounced than between culmination of the Prequels, The Return of the Sith and the film that started it all the original Star Wars: A New Hope. Watching the lightsaber duels from Episode IV after coming off of Episode III is beyond jarring. It's almost as if the entire universe went stupid between the two films. Jedis got lamer, spaceshipts got lamer...everyone got kinda...um...lame. Sure you can pass some of it off on the fact that these are "dark times" and that the heyday of the Jedi had long passed, but comon' that argument can only take you so far.

In addition, there are some key plot surprises from the Original Trilogy that are completely ruined by the Prequels. The biggest of them being the revelation that Darth Vader is Luke's father. But other nifty twists also get lost in this viewing order, like the moment when we realize that this little green toad living on Dagobah is, in fact, Yoda the "great Jedi warrior" or that Leia is Luke's long-lost twin. The episodic viewing order all but renders these details meaningless to those watching the saga for the first time.

Verdict: This is a viable viewing order, but not my favorite. The special effects and cinematic pacing continuity problems are significant enough that I cannot recommend this as the best method for watching the Star Wars saga. In particular, I would avoid this viewing order for Star Wars n00bs. Grade? B+

Method 2: Chronological Order

This viewing order is another popular one where the films are viewed in chronological order in which they were made and released. So one would begin with the Original Trilogy (episodes IV-VI), watch those episodes in order and then jump to the Prequels (episodes I-III). The variation to this method by the more cynical long-time Star Wars enthusiasts is to watch the Original Trilogy and just bypass the Prequels altogether - but we won't get into that heated debate here ;-)

Why it works: This approach eliminates most of the problems that crop up with the episodic viewing order. Since you begin with the oldest of the episodes filmed, the technological transitions are much more natural. The slow lightsaber duels and less complex space battles give way to increasingly rich effects and more acrobatically choreographic fight sequences. Additionally, all the great dramatic twists (the Vader-Luke-Leia connection included) are preserved.

Where it fails: The biggest problem with this viewing order is that the celebratory conclusion to the Star Wars saga lands smack dab in the middle of the marathon (with Episode VI) and instead of ending on a high-note, with the end of the evil Empire, you end with the death of Padme and the fall of Anakin Skywalker/birth of Darth Vader.

The Verdict: As someone who grew up with Star Wars as a kid, this viewing order has a strong nostalgic pull to it. But the fact that the saga - if viewed in this fashion - ends on such a low, low note with Episode III makes it difficult for me to recommend it to everyone. For long-time Star Wars fans with a strong nostalgic bent, this is the way to go. For everyone else, I'd pass on watching the saga this way. Grade: B

Method 3: The Prequels as Flashback

This viewing order is really interesting. You begin with the Original Trilogy and watch Episode IV, 'A New Hope' followed by Episode V, 'The Empire Strikes Back'. But instead of watching Return of the Jedi, you hold off and instead watch the three Prequels. Only after you have finished the prequels do you watch Return of the Jedi to cap off your marathon.

Why it works: This approach tries to reconcile the biggest problems with the chronological and episodic viewing orders: plot and cinematic continuity. The oldest episodes are placed first in the viewing order while the newer episodes are nested in the middle. The climactic finale provided by Episode VI, however, is still retained. Additionally, some of the key dramatic twists are still preserved such as the surprise revelation in Empire Strikes Back about Luke's parentage. The prequel is preceded by a nice cliffhanger from episode V and episode III also serves as a nice cliffhanger before the final culmination of episode VI. The special effects continuity is mostly contained since episodes IV and V have the most dated appearance (episode VI holds up relatively well against the space battles from the Prequels).

Where it fails: In this viewing order the Prequels represent a flashback. This device might be a bit confusing to some viewers. The fact that the flashback is not a short sequence but a full-extended trilogy might also present some problems. One workaround would be to skip Episode I entirely so that the flashback only lasts for two films.

The verdict: I must admit, I have a soft-spot for this viewing order. In many ways it makes the most sense for both long-time fans as well as newcomers. Also, if the 3-episode "flashback" is overwhelming it seems like it would be relatively easy to drop epsides I and even II entirely. The most abridged version therefore being IV-V-III-VI. I particularly like the fact that the Darth Vader as father and Yoda as warrior twists are preserved AND we still get the fantastic finish from Return of the Jedi. Grade: A

Method 4: Alternating Trilogies

This is the final *viable* viewing order, imho. This approach has you alternating between the Prequel and Original Trilogies starting with Episode I. So the viewing order would be: I - IV - II - V - III - VI.

Why it works: This sequence tries to highlight the similarities between the two trilogies through juxtaposition. So with the first third of the marathon, we get to see Anakin's coming-of-age on Tatooine, followed by Luke's. We also see their initial responses to the world of the Jedi and early mentorship (from Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan respectively). This viewing order also provides an intriguing one-two punch finale in the back-to-back airing of episodes III and VI.

Where it fails: Plot and episodic continuity suffer greatly in this viewing order. This is probably also the most unorthodox of the four ways to watch the saga.

Verdict: This is one of those viewing orders that sounds better on paper than in real life. Not recommended for general Star Wars audiences, but may serve as an interesting diversion for die-hard fans. Still, I'd be hard-pressed to consider this as one of the definitive approaches for watching the series. Grade: C+

The Bottom Line

Now that we've looked at the various ways to watch the Star Wars saga, what do I recommend? Well, I think it's safe to say that the standard approaches - chronological and episodic - are still the safest. I'd choose the chronological order for first-time viewers purely for the dramatic twists that are otherwise ruined by an episode-ordered showing. That being said, I still think that the flashback approach provides the best overall experience that remains somewhat true to Lucas' desired viewing order while bridging some of the cinematographic continuity problems. The alternating order is best left for die-hard fans who want to watch the series in a whole new light.

But enough of what I think, what do you think is the best way to watch a Star Wars marathon?

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55 comments

Star Wars is the s**t. One of the best stories ever written. My favorite episode is V The Empire Strikes Back which I also beleive was the best of all the Episodes. My recomendation to fisrt time Star Wars watchers is to start with the original episodes and then watch the new episodes so you will have a understanding of whats going on and the story will make more sense. For the true followers of the force, I say start with I through VI and watch III again to embrace the intensity of that film. Long live the Sith!!!!!!

Great post Greedo! The Flashback Method is one that I've not heard before and it sounds pretty cool. The great part is that it ends on a high note. When I saw this trailer for the Cinemax marathon I almost shed tears:

I think chronological order is best for first time Star Wars watchers followed by flashback order for die hard Star Wars fans. When Geroge Lucas did the second trilogy, I knew (like so many people I imagine) the saga would end on a "sour note". Come on, Padme dies, all of the Jedi except Obi Wan and Yoda die, the republic would be under the rule of the Sith, the transformation of Anakin, etc. There wasn't going to be even a remote chance of a happy ending.

Prequels as flashback is a brilliant idea. Gives the series a structure somewhat similar to "The Godfather" triology - solid exposition to introduce the viewer to the characters an the the uniquely stylized world. Then after the viewer understands, you get to delve back into the backstory, which everybody loves to do anyway.

how about randomly? do a russian roulette type of picking for the 6 movies? jk.

i'd always say watch the classic trilogy first and then the prequels. and since most would agree ep3 was the best of all the prequels, it'll be nice way to finish off the saga (connecting both classic trilogy and the prequel series).

with those who have the time, i'd highly recommend watching clone wars between ep2 and ep3. it's animation true, but adds depth to the saga.

I think the best way to watch the holy trilogy is the way George Lucas meant for it to be watched, which is starting with Episode 1 and going through Return of the Jedi, since 99% of the people know the story anyway. You might as well watch it as it was intended, as the story of the rise and fall of Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader.

not sure if starting with ep1 is the best way to begin the saga (even though chronologically it makes sense). i'd argue that starting with ep4 over ep1 is really the better way to go. as a stand alone movie...not doubt about it, you gotta just watch ep4, a new hope. there's no way ep1 can stand on its own the same way. but if you plan on watching everything (all 6), then i'm more forgiving of the watching order whether it's prequel first of classic first.

I think there is a 5th, and very viable, method which has been overlooked: I-II-IV-V-III-VI. Essentially, you get enough of the background through Eps I & II to see where events are leading. In this scenario Eps I & II act as "prequels" to a main story line: IV-V-VI.
But what about Ep VI, you ask? Well, it tucks very neatly between Eps V & VI. If you think about it, you have a "historical prequel" leading into a main story line, that has a flashback interjected right before the grand finale. So, just when we learn that Darth Vader is Luke's father, we flashback to see the whole transformation as portrayed in Ep III.
I have watched the entire trilogy as a marathon twice in this method, and each time it just seems to fit together neater and neater. The viewer isn't really left with loose or hanging ends, and all the storylines seem to tie together nicely.

Great post Greedo! You put a lot of thought into it, and you make a valid argument for each option.

However, I would propose a 6th viable option. Skip episodes I-III and rent the Clone Wars animated series, then watch IV-V. I know this will probably irk some folks, but the recent trilogy does nothing for me except ruin the older trilogy, something I love with all my heart.

As stated by Greedo and others, there are serious problems with continuity and story from the latest arc to the first. Which boggles my mind, as Lucas knew where everything was going to end up..

I was as excited as anyone to see the new trilogy. I wasn't hardcore enough to stand in line for weeks, but I did go to each one on opening night.

After Episode I, I found myself disappointed. And each subsequent episode, I still hoped and prayed that the next one would be great, only to be crushed again. I guess I most related myself to Charlie Brown, trying to kick that football over and over again, only to have Lucy yank it at the last minute, causing me to fall painfully on my back.

I could actually forgive inaccuracies and plot holes if the writing and acting were good. And, while I thought the overall story of the three was good, I thought the execution was horrid.

It's hard for me to say it. I'm not one of those people who love to criticize every little detail about a movie. I wanted to love the movies. I tried to convince myself after each one that it wasn't that bad. But repeated viewings wouldn't let me continue to think that way.

Star Wars is, for me, much more than a movie series. I saw Episode IV on my father's lap, little more than a baby. I had the SW glasses from Burger King and McDonald's. I had every toy. Hell, to this day, I still sleep every night on my SW pillowcase (It's so old that you can barely see what it is, but I've used it since the age of 5, so it's hard to toss it).

Having said all that, if I were going to watch the entire trilogy, I'd do it in the Flashback style. That's a pretty neat way to think about it.

I will, however, be glued to my set watching Episodes IV-VI on Cinemax on the 10th. Because any excuse to see the original trilogy is a good excuse.

The only way to watch the trilogy is to watch episodes IV, V, and VI, then not watch I, II, and III because they're so rediculous, George Lucas ruined his reputation by making them all digitally reliant and crap. "This is the digital age." No, no George, Stop. The digital age is not meant to ruin a classic trilogy. "This is the age of stop it George...just...stop."

Great post, Greedo. But I wanted to respond mef's post: I like your idea of I-II-IV-V-III-VI and think it is a cool way to go (I particularly like the tension that is added for the Obi-Wan storyline - what happened? How did he end up here? Why did he change his name?), but I still prefer the flashback method Greedo suggests (IV-V-I-II-III-VI) for a number of reasons:

1) I, myself, find the transition from classic to prequel easier than the reverse. Going from II to IV, viewers are left wondering what the hell happened, and yet they can make the connection between one Skywalker and another (you'd have to be a complete dotard to not grok it). Also, the difference in the whole feeling of the films is tremendously jarring.

2) Following I and II with IV make the throughline either the droids (easy to believe, since they start IV) or Obi-Wan. The droids doesn't work, because the story really isn't about them (though Lucas did toy with the idea whenever he discussed the 9-episode version of the series), and the Obi-Wan connection doesn't work, since he dies. The viewer is thus left baffled.

3) IV-V-I-II-III-VI presents the prequels as a flashback - this is my favorite part - which allows for a lot of the discontinuity you see in the prequels. They look weirdly different? The animation is fluid and unnatural? The design work is inconsistent? Hey, it doesn't matter - it's a flashback, and memory is inherently unreliable.

Make no mistake, I like mef's suggestion, but it's not how I would recommend newbies watch the series. For that, I'd have to recommend the flashback method. When my kids are old enough, that's how they'll see it.

The only way you could improve on the flashback method and still watch all 6 films is if there was a way to make the prequels a dream sequence...which would allow doubt that the events of the prequels even transpired as depicted. Wouldn't that be great?

This is slightly off the topic, but I came up with my own optomized way of watching the saga earlier this year, I call it the "circle of fate" approach:

1: Watch the UNaltered original trilogy,
2: Watch the Prequals,
3: Watch the Special edition of the original trilogy,

What this approach does is highlight 2 things: one, the evolution of the franchise. You see the originals as the true kick off point of the franchise, and how their pre-existence fed into and inspired the prequals even if the prequals are set before the originals. Then, you can see how the ideas of the originals backwashed into the prequals and how they were altered to work with the prequal story and make the whole thing more coherant.

The other thing it does is present Star Wars as a wheel of fate: No real begginning or end, because the saga is coherant either originals first or prequals first.

No, no, no. You guys got it all wrong. The ONLY plausable method for watching star wars is to watch original episodes IV-VI in order. That's it. If you were stupid enough to buy episodes I-III toss them in the garbage and don't tell anyone of your horrible mistake. Next you send George Lucas an email stating how rediculous and retarded the other episodes were. You can finish your evening by calling some hookers if your still a virgin.

What about 1 - 2 and skip three that way it skips what happens with aniken(forgive spelliing) and then do 4 - 6, finishing with the third. I'm actually having a delima with this myself since im showing them to someone who has absolutely no knowledge of the plot. This way could suck i dont know i haven't seen them in a while thats why i'm asking

I just want to say, that I had a similar question a while back and I independantly came up with Method 3 as the optimal viewing order. The Empire Strikes back is the best movie of the entire series, and, seeing any of the first 3 movies, a clever viewer will understand that Vader is Luke's father before the epic reveal in part V. This epic reveal stunned the world. It went from viewing the classic 'bad guy' in part IV to revealing his true identity. The classic "Luke, I am your father". The problem with this is that you lose the Leia and Luke relationship in part VI by revealing it in part III. Lucas should have omited the twins and just shown what happens to luke. The other benifit of this order is the meeting between Luke and Master Yoda. Part I and II will spoil this comedic encounter.
This method will, however take the revealing of Palpatine as a Sith Lord as not a suprise. But overall Method 3 is the best for a NEW viewer.

As an Added point, I saw a re-edited version of the trilogy, where all of the relavent information from episodes I-II and III are added in to the necissary places in the trillogy.
Obiwan tells luke about the clone wars with his father, vader reveals to luke his love of padme, Leia, yoda, and later the emporor himself reveal the way he formed the Galactic Empire and the way the rebellion took place. Obiwan reveals to luke how his father was an epic pilot. This version was actually well edited and got rid of the need to see the first 3 movies. It's amazing how simple editing makes the first 3 movies not suck.

I disagree that "episode order" is how George intended us to see it. Had this been the case, he would have started at the beginning! Chronological/release date order is the only way to do it. Though I will say that i'm intrigued by your 3rd option. Prequel as a flashback minus Phantom Menace would work pretty well. Make Phantom Menace a little bonus. You could do IV-V-II-III-VI-I. I wouldn't have a problem showing my kids the movies in that order. But i'll be sticking to release date order nonetheless.

also, just realized, a new surprise is created by the flashback method. yes, you lose the luke/leia sibling twist in Jedi, but it's simply moved to Revenge of the Sith. We know that Anakin is Luke's father, but who's his twin sister?? The twist is simply moved to the end of that movie.

I found this interesting, Because I celebrated New Years Eve by myself watching a homemade star wars marathon. I did the start with Epi. 1 and see how far I got. I watched the first three by midnight and got into number four. Its a simplistic version. But it works. Its weird though seeing the characters grow and then see them vastly change those twenty years.

After realizing I never actually finished the movies (although I know most of the big plot and details) I chose to sit down with them all (thank you DVD collecting friends)but hadn't yet decided between release date order, or titled order. I eventually chose titled (since I know the story already) but the article was fantastic in helping me choose!

It doesn't really matter. It depends upon the individual's tastes. Sometimes, I like to watch it from Episodes I to VI. Sometimes, I like to do the Original Trilogy first, followed by the Prequel Trilogy. It depends upon my mood.

Greedo.. Good Post.. I think I will try Method 3.. I have always been a Star Wars Fan.. But I am older and grew up with the first Three in the 80's.. So watching Episodes I II and III after waiting so many years was a let down for me.. Cause I already knew how it was gonna end.. The special effects yeah they were better I suppose but for a True Fan.. YOu have to admit the Acting was not as good as the Original Luke Lia, and Han.. No one could ever out do their Gig... I was actually bored with the First Three and looking for my Old Star War Trilogy.But Sad they are VHS and I no longer have one. LOL. So Now I am gonna do them in the Sequence you suggested and see if I can get the Full effect of Darth Vaders Life beginning to End.. Cause to a new comer it is Darth that is actually the Star Not his Son Luke.. And back in the Day I thought it was LUKE.. LOL.. Guess Times change.. Thanks for waking up this Old girls eyes to possible new avenues.. LOL..

Jeez, five years ago, eh? My favorite is chrono order. IV, V, VI, I, II, III. I understand that III was THE sad ending, but hey, I loved it! Personally, I like a movie/series that ends with a good "NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!"

I've heard lots of people say that you can skip Ep. I and just carry on with the rest. While that could be said of some of the other Episodes, I think Episode I is very important. It gives you a sense of why Anakin is the way he is. Anakin was much older than most Jedi students, and unlike other students he knew who his master was going to be from the get go. Obi-Wan did not choose Anakin as his padawan, he promised his beloved master that he would train Anakin despite what the Jedi council said. This plays a lot into his relationship with Obi-Wan. I grew up watching the Episodes as they came out into the theatres. Episode V, V!, I, and II are my favourites. I can do without Episode IV. It's slow and hard to get into, but I'll watch it in a marathon 'cuz it makes it complete.

I recently thought of another order, and i must say that i like it: start with A New Hope, then go back to A Phantom Menace and Attack Of The Clones, then Empire Strikes Back, followed by Revenge Of The Sith and Return Of The Jedi.
What i like about it is that when you see episode 1 and 2 you dont yet know that Anakin and Vader are the same person, which really alters the experience imho.
Also, all great revelations ( Vaders Identity, the fact that Leia is Lukes sister, Anakins Fall, hell even the identity of the Emperor) are preserved until the second half of the "marathon", which i really like.
It presents the Story not as two seperate trilogies but all part of one greater Story.

When my family was ordering the movies off of eBay, we would get them out of order in the mail. While it didn't matter to my younger siblings, I was distraught when episode six was the last to come in the mail. I had already seen IV and V, but absolutely refused to see the other three before six, wanting to see it the way people who went to the cinema saw it. I ended up reading the book and loving the movie when it finally came. I personally like the original trilogy better and would suggest watching it IV, V, VI, I, II, III just because by the time you got to the prequel you and your audience would be quite Star Warsed out but had been alert for the original, assuming that you plan to run them back to back to back. In any situation, I would go with the chronological order, though ending with the Ewok party in VI sounds really cool.

Mef you are a genius!! I think your 5th way is grand... As a first time stars wars watcher, I tried watching the 4th episode first but it felt like the movie started midway thru a story and some big characters were introduced quite early... Well, they weren't really introduced... It was also a little bit boring... I then stopped it midway and started watching 1 and then 2. That way I got a good background and was very intrigued. It introduces r2d2, obi wan, c3po etc. much better. I then watched 4 and 5 although I was a tiny bit confused as to what happened to Anakin. I then watched 3 and I was amazed! I couldn't believe it when I found out who he turns into. Very cool and it all started to make sense and just all tied in together.Then finished it off with 6, brilliant! That moment when I started realizing who Anakin was really becoming was priceless... I think what donn30 has said is quite spot on though about the fact that everyone kinda knows Darth Vader is Luke's father. I mean even though I didn't know much about start wars, that punch line "luke, I am your father" is way too popular for anyone to miss... The suspense is really who Anakin is... Coming from a modern first time viewer, I suggest I, II, IV, V, III and then VI. I know this goes against a lot of loyal fans who have carried the traditional legacy and honestly, I may have been in the same mindframe as the loyalists, had I watched the original way more than 15 years ago... Perhaps i would have thought it was epic that way. But now, movies are so advanced and the plots, theatrics etc. are way to advance for the previous versions to create much excitement from suspense. E.g. When Leia was revealed in VI, it was too normal and not much excitement. I mean her response to Luke was "somehow I always knew..." Hmmm... Didnt hold u back from kissing him infront of Hahn. Also, anyone in today's time could figure out Yoda would end up being the Jedi Luke was searching for etc. In
fact,I was more excited finding out Luke and Leia would be born to Padme in part 3. My verdict, if you are a first time watcher, I strongly suggest you watch I,II,IV,V,III and then VI. Much more intriguing and relevant to today's time. The story flows quite well too. I do however want to say that had I watched star wars more than 15years ago then perhaps yes, I would be on the band wagon of watching it the original way as it would have been more exciting for me that way back then. My suggestion is only for first time viewers. Anyways, now I am a star wars fan hence the detailed post :)

Just to preface the point of my lengthy post heretofore, your an idiot. I mean that as nicely as possible, but do mean it. This was a terrible post.

So I know this was originally submitted like 6 years ago, but I stumbled upon this in a search for a discussion on the different light-saber dueling styles that Vader uses over the course of the Star Wars episodes, and after reading how bad this whole blip was I really just had to throw my opinion in here.

Honestly mate, I think your a complete dumb-arse-wagon... 1st of all; you only put forth 4 ideas on how to view the order of them and that's just not being imaginative cuz there's more options if you mix it up a bit - 2nd; you used some pretty terrible criteria for considering what matters towards how you plan to view the movies like the special effects being important - 3rd; if your going to use such stringent and useless qualifiers as the special effects as a relevant consideration, then the quality of acting might as well be thrown in there too, and that would change things quite a bit - 4th; you sorta touched on the distinction between what works better for first time viewers of Star Wars compared to veterans, but you really didn't explicitly mention how each one would be good/bad for the veteran and for the first-timer - 5th; You only suggested the option of dropping films from the viewing order for one of your methods, ironically it being the method that you would yourself recommend (I hate it when people do that, add extra or special considerations for what they endorse and not any of the other options - its an example of a fallacious style of argument), which raises both the problem of how you really cant eliminate any of the films for a legit star wars film watching marathon and if your going to option eliminating for one method then you have to include it for other methods as well - and 6th; Not that it really matters in the end or to the point of what this is all about, but you should have made some mention to the consideration of the special edition films that included some of the extended, enhanced, and remastered scenes that weren't included in the original film... namely that asides from the digitally enhanced and remastered version (purely on an aesthetic value of sound and picture quality regards) those versions with added effects and deleted scenes and all the other extra crap actually detracted from the quality and experience of the original trilogy (watch HelloGreedo youtube videos to see a side by sidce comparison to see what I'm talking about)... but like I said earlier, if your going to take special effects as a validc consideration then this is also something to look at.

So to explain, 1- there are obviously other ways to watch the films, hell you could even watch them backwards for a weird look, 2- the first film was made in 1977 so you have to be forgiving of what they were capable of doing then and what we can do now... I mean, Star Wars in 77 was considered revolutionary at the time for its effects, and the newer episodes have cool effects but by no means groundbreaking, so that could even be a consideration for order if you look at effects, which was more awesome at the time it was made, 3- the acting was pretty awful in the prequels, specifically and especially episode II's Anakin and Padme scenes... a lot of the fault here was because George Lucas is a terrible director and has no idea what emotional affect on the big screen means let alone how to accomplish it, 4- I can think of how a certain sequence works best for those who have never seen the films before and a different one for those who have, but honestly mate, you really need to be especially emphasizing this point cuz for the vast majority of us that already have seen the films or haven't seen them but have heard the now age old catch phrase "Luke.... I am your father..." the big surprise at the end of Empire is no M. Night. Shambalansahoweverhisnameisspelt twist and we all know what happens in the story and we are just trying to have a good ole Star Wars watching marathon experience and don't even need to take into consideration a spoiler alert, 5- dropping films from a Star Wars marathon? Yoda can take it from here: "A Jedi craves not these things" the complete phrase including "adventure...heh....excitement...hheh­...­&qu­ot; at the beginning, which would also be relevant when considering your believing special effects as important..... you sir are no Jedi.... back to the point though, all of your methods would be very different if you opted for dropping some episodes and no episode could escape the consideration of the chopping block when you consider some of your arguments and validations, 6- it would be valid to point out that the differences between the modified films and the originals can slightly alter the experience of watching them in sequence, especially for a first-timer... imho certain things are changed in the modified films which change some essential aspects of the characters - such as Han Solo just shooting Greedo as opposed to Greedo firing at Han first, or how the emperor is much more lich-like in his hologram discussion with Vader, or the physical discrepancy between Jabba in Episode IV and VI (he really let himself go!) they just don't feel right for those of us who have seen and love the original films, and therefore we know that the newcomer should not be exposed to them either.

So I've been exhaustive on how you and what you said suck the big one and why, so now I will give you the heads up on what the right way to watch star wars is.... for the newcomer and the veteran alike.... You start with Episode IV, then you watch I, then II, then V, then III, and finally VI. This being the optimal way of watching them, but with the added option of switching some stuff up depending upon certain considerations and preferences as long as you stick with watching episodes 1 2 and 4, then 3 and 5, and then 6. Its a combination that works for both the newcomer and the veteran alike, no spoilers that give away the big secrets ahead of time, a dialogue of continuity and flashback scenes that makes sense, information that we find lacking in the original trilogy is provided by the newer movies without saying too much, a tilt that showcases the special effects first and is then replaced by a meaningful story arc (lets face it, special effects are awesome, but they get boring after awhile of watching them, you always want more and better and crazier - I mean, I practically came in my pants watching the Yoda/Dooku fight at the end of Attack of the Clones the first time in the theater but now I watch it and I'm like "Yeah, Yoda's awesome, but this isn't exciting anymore") that keeps us engaged and interested, an effective way of introducing characters in both past and present in as close a simultaneous was as possible, a nice and consistent way to compare and contrast elements of the films and the way that they kind of correspond between the trilogies, and a downright epic way of highlighting this stories epicness..... the only better way of watching these films is if you were to break them up into pieces and segments and then arrange them according to the revelations that they give. IE watch IV and then Empire up until Luke goes to Cloud City so we find out the green guy on Degobah is Yoda but we dont know that Vader is Lukes daddy-o and still believe that Vader killed Lukes dad then go back to Episodes I and II and some of the III then go watch the rest of Empire and then watch the end of III and then finish with VI.

You know what... I might just splice together me an ultimate Star Wars start to finish watch it this way chop shop job of a putting the different episodes together to watch them in the most effective and meaningful way as possible. I win.

Did I mention that I win? Ohh, because I did, win that is... Just to let anyone know in case of redundancies, I did not actually read anyone elses posts on this topic. So if I basically restated biotch-ing this kid out in the same way that someone else did, or just posted the exact same idea on how to view the films as someone else did, I apologize... I'm sure that someone who posted on this string prolly knows what they are talking about and isnt a complete noob like the doooooooochee that wrote this in the first place is. I bet he doesnt even know who Grand Admiral Thrawn is, or who the Yuuzhan Vong are, or what the Great Hyperspace War was, or how seeing a cold old dead star really messed Anakin Skywalker up when he was a lil youngin padawan and Obi-Wans words "All things die Anakin, even stars...." haunted him till at the least he became Vader. Or how in episode II Jedi Master Sifo-Dious did not exist and was originally supposed to be Jedi Master Sido-Dious as just a witty misnomer for Sidious who was the one who was intended to be the original orderer of the clone army, but Sido-Dious got misspelled on a copy of the movie script to Sifo-Dious (cuz the F and the D keys are right next to each other on a QWERTY keyboard) and George Lucas liked the mistake name enough that he decided to create a whole new character and a kind of ridiculous back story for him. Ridiculous like, Dooku killed him and put his body in storage, then drained his blood and for some reason used it when General Grievous was put together in his new cyborg body as a transfusion.... It doesnt make any sense right? Ok so Grievous needs a blood transfusion when hes being inserted into his new cyborg body, but why would he need the blood of a Jedi? And why would the blood of a completely different species be better than the blood of his own kind (Grievous was a Kaleesh - a reptilian species of a humanoid nature who had hands with two opposable thumbs and two fingers in between them..... who were also deeply spiritual and ritualistic... which is why Grievous looked the way he did... a lot of people dont realize it but Grievous's face was actually a mask that he chose to wear as an add-on and was not actually a part of his cybernetic body... his entire head and face were still intact underneath that mask. His cape/cloak was also a personal addon, as both the mask and the cape were representative of his Kaleesh culture and stature as a warlord amongst them and identified him as a member of a certain tribe.... his IG-100 Magna droid guards who always accompanied him and protected him and can be seen in episode III in the beginning on the bridge of the Invisible Hand where Anakin and Obi-Wan fight them and those that Obi-Wan fights right before engaging Grievous himself in a lightsaber duel towards the end of the film also bear capes/cloaks and masks (though there masks really just looked like some bandages wrapped around their heads) belonging to the Kaleesh culture and were added to them by Grievous because he missed having his close knit group of Kaleesh commandos and warriors around him who had his back and were his boys... he missed his people and his private crew so he tried to make up for it with some peices of clothe. I just thought that was crazy and worth mentioning especially considering what I have just said for the majority of this post is about as useful to the actual original topic as the original post was........ OOOOHHHHHHHH............. OUCH!!!! thats right I brought it back to what we were talking about in the beginning, i both owner you in my first post, showed off a little bit of Star Wars knowledge and insulted you.... so you know what you can do? yeah, you can go right ahead and uhh such on my left testiclle.... because the right one is a little bit more sensitive than the left and honestly since I got into that fight and that little biottch John resorted to punching me in the balls instead of fighting like a man its been slightly enlarged.... thats also why it is more sensitive... it really hurt a lot when it happened, i couldnt even put on a pair of pants or boxers without it brushing my right nut and it causing me excruciating pain.... and so now its bigger than the left and more sensitve... which isnt necessarily a bad thing, because when my girlfriend is going down on me i like having my balls sucked on and it feels good, and sometimes having a little bit of extra sensitivity can lend to those good feelings, you know what I mean? phh wow, how did i end up talking about my ball sack on a discussion string again? I swear to god, this always happens to me when Ive been smoking salvia, you know what I mean? that stuff might as well be called the devils weed, because it gives me the shits and makes me retarded, speaking of which, ive clearly been retarded for the mjority of this conversation and now I have to poop.... so I will finish this by saying, thank you, good bye, I win, and I'm going to go poop.

@justforonepost, you’re full of delusions of adequacy. If you're going to write a novel for posts learn the difference between "your" and "you're" (note-I just used the latter correctly in the previous sentences). Actually, just learn the use of apostrophes in general. Your (that’s how to use “your”) lack of correct word and apostrophe usage combined with the fact that you’re grossly lacking command of the English language made your post excruciating to read, damaging any credibility you were wished to achieve. Also, learn some manners! Do you kiss your grandma with that mouth? If you simply stated that you disagreed and outlined why, people may actually have listened to your opinion. You are (that’s “you’re” since you’re unfamiliar-see how contractions work?) a prime candidate for natural de-selection. Like toljzan recommended, you need to seek professional help, or a brain transplant.

In my opinion I think that star wars is best watched prequels to originals as I am a die hard fan so the whole Leia-Luke-Darth Vader connection isn't that shocking to those who have already watched the entire trilogy... However I do agree that this ruins the entire story for the newcomers who don't know the story already like the majority of us commenting - for someone who has never seen the trilogy before all the twists and turns turn flat out straight and they don't get to have that shock feeling that most of us felt finding out that Darth Vader is Leia and Luke's father which in my opinion is the best part and they would be missing out big time and might even find it boring but then there is the other problem of watching the original trilogy and then the prequels as again it messes everything up and the story ends with the death of poor Padme (extremely upsetting) and Anakin turning evil (also extremely upsetting) so I think that the best of all for both new comers and devoted long time fans is the flashback method - a way to enjoy the trilogy with all the twists and turns and ending on a high well done AMAZING article ;)

The prequels suck. And I'm a new fan. For one thing, they totally screw up so many things about the original movies (midichlorines?!? the Force is supposed to be a mystical, you know... force!), their special effects are terrible (the orginal trilogy used REAL sets, REAL props not crappy CGI), they have little to no character developement (Padme is the most bland character... ever), and just overall crappy writing!
/rant

So, my prefered viewing method is obviously the original unaltered trilogy... Three movies is usually enough of a marathon for me, anyways. My eyes are fragile (mostly joking).